Partnerships Analyst

Based in Copenhagen, Denmark, the Africa Regional Office (AFR) supports the 6 sub-regional hubs and 2 country offices across the Africa Region.

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Regional Partnerships Advisor, the Partnerships Analyst facilitates and supports the research for potential partnerships, engagement for business development as well as portfolio expansion relevant to the AFR. As part of the regional team, the incumbent supports the Advisor with regards to the following:

A.    Partner Research and Analysis

• Analyze political, social and economic trends in the relevant areas for AFR.
• Maintain a database of key partner information (strategy, priorities, funding, countries of focus) to strengthen AFR’s partnerships
• Identify and develop potential opportunities in different areas by conducting partnership analyses of potential strategic partners, including donors, UN agencies, local authorities, NGOs implementing partners and make recommendations towards the establishment and maintenance of new partnership schemes.
• Use data on partners’ development activities to improve AFR’s approach to engaging with key partners

B.    Partner Engagement

• Actively participate in the management of partnerships - – including Governments, Intergovernmental Organizations, UN entities, International Finance Institutions (IFIs), NGOs, private sector, and academia
• Understand the need of UNOPS/AFR and engage with potential partners to identify synergies and the most suitable implementation mechanisms.

• Coordinate closely with HQ Partnerships Unit to develop new partnerships, as well as represent AFR for global partnership development initiatives
• Prepare briefing materials to support UNOPS Executive Office’s engagement with AFR partners
• Contribute to organization of field missions of the Regional director and Partnerships Advisor

C.    Support the Partnerships Needs of AFR Operational Hubs

• Support Hubs in the preparation of briefing materials (talking points, background notes), and presentations to engage with partners
• Provide assistance to the development of concept notes and project proposals
• Contribute to the engagement review process ensuring the quality of information for new engagements and facilitating clearances and approvals. Facilitate the relationship between HQ groups and AFR Operational Hubs and country offices by promoting communication and following up on pending tasks

D.         Knowledge Sharing and Information Management

• Build and reinforce relationships with different stakeholders (HQ, intra-regional and inter-regional) with the purpose to exchange information and contribute to coherence and knowledge sharing.
• Support coordination of AFR knowledge sharing efforts with partnerships focal points across the region (meetings, tools and guidance, lessons learned, requests for input) and proactively promote knowledge sharing with offices working on similar tasks and/or challenges
• Represent AFR in coordination and knowledge sharing initiatives led by other HQ groups (Communications, Partnerships)
• Maintain AFR’ Intranet presence, as well as strong information management to ensure organization of AFR Regional Partnerships team’s task tracking and files

E.    Strategic Planning and Positioning

• Support the implementation of AFR business plan 2018-2021, including the action plan and follow-up with Operational Hubs and country offices
• Provide assistance to Operational Hubs and country offices in the updates of their business plans 2018-2021
• Develop value propositions and strategic positioning guidance for key AFR service lines and partners
• Thematic knowledge and/or experience in one or more following themes: climate action, youth development, peace & security, Middle Income Countries
• Support impact investing initiatives in AFR, including meetings and research on partnership and project opportunities, as well as due diligence and liaison with HQ Partnerships Unit

Functional Competencies:

• Excellent presentation, facilitation and communication skills, including the ability to express ideas clearly, concisely and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Strong interpersonal relationships and demonstrated ability to leverage business networks and partnerships for continued growth.
• Proven organizational skills and ability to effectively manage multiple tasks while fostering quality, team spirit and positive working relationships with colleagues.
• Builds strong relationships with partners and external actors
• Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office
• Actively pursues learning and development opportunities, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills
• Focuses on impact and responds positively to feedback
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
• Ability to work independently or with minimal supervision

Education:

• An Advanced University Degree (Master's or equivalent) in Business Administration, Political science, International Relations, International Development, Social Sciences or related discipline is required;
• A First-Level University Degree (Bachelor's) in combination with 2 years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in Business acquisition, partnerships development, marketing, clients relations or other related fields. Additional experience is an advantage. Prior relevant internship experience may be considered.
• Experience in International Organizations is an asset, particularly current and targeted partners for AFR (e.g., donor governments, African regional entities, UN);
• Experience in the private sector and/or social impact investing is an asset
• In-depth knowledge of development issues and current donor and sectoral trends, with emphasis on understanding of Africa partner / donor landscape as well as Africa’s humanitarian and development challenges
• Knowledge of working in the UN environment is desirable. UNOPS experience, including internship, is an asset.
• PRINCE2® Foundation Certification is desirable.
• PRINCE2 Practitioner Certification is an asset.
• Experience with SharePoint, PowerBi, Outlook, and Microsoft Office suite are desirable. 
• Strong Excel skills are an asset

• Excellent writing and oral skills in English and French is required.
• Knowledge of other UN languages is an asset.

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.